News

– Young digitals leaders from Ballyclare help launch new cyber safety award scheme  – An industry backed initiative and the first of its kind in Northern Ireland is set to help schools tackle cyber risks and keep pupils safe online. Developed by Digital Schools Awards Northern Ireland to provide education professionals with the resources and support needed to help pupils stay safe in the digital world, the new Cyber Resilience and Internet Safety (CR-IS) Badge is backed by technology companies HP, Microsoft and RM Education with the support of C2K and the Department of Education. Online platforms are becoming increasingly accessible to young people with as many as one in four children aged 8-11 operating their own social media profiles. As the internet becomes further integrated into everyday life, it is vital that schools provide pupils with the knowledge and confidence to operate online. The stand-alone badge will be available to all schools that demonstrate a strategic approach to cyber resilience and internet safety. The initiative follows the successful integration of the Digital Schools Awards programme in primary and secondary schools throughout Northern Ireland, which encourages a whole-school approach to digital learning. Ann-Marie Whelan, HP Education Manager said, “Advances in digital technology have brought about huge positive change into almost every aspect of our lives and we want to ensure our young people enjoy a very positive and beneficial experience. However, we also need to better equip and educate young people on the potential dangers and how to stay safe online.” Digital Schools Awards Validator Dr Victor McNair said, “Schools are ideally placed to provide progressive and relevant activities that help pupils build enduring and adaptable cyber-resilient skills. “Teachers will instantly recognise the language used in the self-review framework and they will benefit from the local and national resources provided to help them develop classroom activities, partnerships and professional learning opportunities.” Pete Murphy, RM Education said, “Introducing the new CR-IS badge is a really positive way to encourage both staff and pupils to understand the actions they can take to stay safe online. “As the UK’s most secure internet safety provider, RM Education is delighted to support NI schools in ensuring young people enjoy a positive experience online.” Speaking at the launch of the new cyber resilience and internet safety award, Karen Irwin, UICT Co-ordinator at Ballyclare Primary School said, “Pupils are very much at the heart of our internet planning and strategy and we encourage an open dialogue between pupils, teachers and parents. Our Digital Leaders group which meets weekly is represented by pupils from each year group and together we work on creative projects and ideas to help everyone stay one step ahead in an ever-changing cyberworld.” First launched in Northern Ireland in 2015, the Digital Schools Awards programme is supported by C2K and the Department of Education and since then over 70 nursery, primary and secondary level schools have completed the programme and achieved Digital Schools status. The programme is open and free to all schools to participate.  Schools can register online for the new Cyber Resilience and Internet Safety Badge at www.digitalschoolsawards.co.uk.

Five schools from Bearsden, just outside Glasgow, have become the first in Scotland to achieve Digital Schools Award status by working together. Bearsden Academy, Mosshead Primary, Bearsden Primary, Baljaffray Primary and Castlehill Primary received the nationally recognised education award via a cluster initiative. It is the first time in the history of the programme, that schools have set out to share resources, mentor and guide each other. As part of the initiative, senior pupils from Bearsden Academy were assigned to each of the four primary schools within the cluster and worked closely with the children to support their digital learning and development. This included maximising the use of technology and the digital learning platform Glow. In addition, teachers at all five schools met regularly to streamline the digital curriculum. They also developed improvement plans as a cluster and for their own school and would regularly reflect on their own personal development. To date, 44% of schools in Scotland are registered for the Digital Schools Awards programme, which encourages excellence in digital learning and supports the efforts of schools, teachers and learners in making the best use of digital technology in the classroom. The initiative, which launched in September 2017, is delivered in partnership with Education Scotland. It was designed to promote, encourage and reward schools that make the best use of digital technology in the classroom and received a financial commitment of £600,000 over five years from leading organisations such as HP, Microsoft and Skills Development Scotland. Initially designed for primary schools, a secondary programme was rolled out in 2018 to focus on real world, work ready scenarios. A total of 165 primary schools and some 25 secondary schools have been awarded Digital Schools status. George Cooper head teacher at Bearsden Academy said: “We are very proud of the pupils and teachers who have worked incredibly hard, often in their free time, to collaborate, exchange knowledge and support each other to achieve the Digital Schools Award. “The cluster initiative was built on the close working relationship we have in our cluster and will help equip our students for the future, whether preparing primary school pupils for secondary school or preparing our senior pupils for adult life in a digital world.” When recognising the schools, validators commented on the digital expertise of staff, strong infrastructure and successful planning to identify teaching and learning needs. There are currently nine other Digitals School clusters taking part in the programme, which aim to achieve Digital School status within six to nine months of commencement. East Dunbartonshire Council’s Convener of Education, Councillor Jim Goodall, said, “It’s great to see Bearsden Academy being recognised for the excellent progress it has made in promoting digital tools to develop young people’s skills for life and work.  The school has adopted innovative ways of promoting their use. It has engaged S6 pupils as digital leaders and they have been working with local primary school pupils to develop the digital skills of younger pupils. Parents have also been involved and the appropriate use of digital tools, both in school and at home, has increased greatly over the last two years.” Anna Doody from Digital Schools Awards said “The Digital Schools programme has successfully brought 165 nursery and primary and 25 secondary schools in Scotland to accreditation. The ability to pull resources, collaborate on ideas and provide guidance to each other only offers another level of support to schools.” Ann Marie Whelan from HP said: “This was a great exercise in collaboration which saw neighbouring schools work closely together to better prepare pupils for the digital world. Participating schools are required to self-assess their developments in digital technology under common practice areas of Leadership and Vision, Digital Technology for Learning and Teaching, School Culture, Professional Development and Resources and Infrastructure. Upon joining the initiative and completing an online self-review framework, schools within a cluster are assigned a validator who will propose a matrix system of support aimed at addressing learning gaps. The Digital Schools Awards Scotland is a national award to promote, recognise and encourage a whole-school approach to the use of digital technology in nursery, primary, special education and secondary schools. The Cyber Resilience and Internet Safety Badge introduced earlier this year provides education professionals with the resources and support required to help pupils safely navigate the digital world. The CR-IS Badge was developed out of a recognition that growing digital teaching and learning in schools should go together with excellence in developing teachers’ and pupils’ cyber resilience and online safety.  Schools can apply for CR-IS without going for the Digital Schools Award or it can be done in conjunction with their application to become a Digital School. Schools are encouraged to register for the free programme through the website www.digitalschoolsawards.co.uk  -Ends- Keep up to date with the Digital Schools’ initiatives by following: Twitter @schools_digital

Feb 2019 – Scottish schools are set to be at the forefront of the fight against cyber bullying and the exploitation of young people online, as a world-leading initiative is unveiled by the Minister for Children and Young People, Maree Todd, on ‘Safer Internet Day’ (5 February 2019.) Designed to provide education professionals with the resources and support required to help pupils safely navigate the digital world, the Special Recognition Badge for Cyber Resilience and Internet Safety is the only programme of its kind being delivered in the UK. The framework has been developed by Digital Schools Awards in partnership with Education Scotland and the Child Protection Unit and has the backing of major tech companies HP, Microsoft and Intel. The initiative is also supported by Police Scotland. Officially launched at the Young Scot ‘DigiKnow?’ event in the Dundee Science Centre, the stand-alone badge will be available to all schools that demonstrate a strategic approach to cyber resilience and internet safety. The initiative follows the successful integration of the Digital Schools Awards programme in primary and secondary schools throughout Scotland, which encourages a whole-school approach to digital learning. Online platforms are becoming increasingly accessible to young people, with as many as one in four children aged 8-11 operating their own social media profiles. As the internet becomes further integrated into everyday life, it is vital that schools provide pupils with the knowledge and confidence needed to operate online. Through practical support and access to resources the programme will encourage an open dialogue amongst teachers and pupils on issues of cyber safety. It will help participants to identify online risks; and stress the importance of building strong cyber hygiene habits and practices.  Schools are also encouraged to put in place measures such as counselling for children who are affected by their exposure to social media. Maree Todd, Scottish Minister for Children and Young People, said: “The proliferation of the internet and advances in digital technologies have brought around much positive change. But in an age where mobile technologies are integrated into almost every aspect of our lives, ensuring young people enjoy a positive experience online needs to be a top priority. “This is the first initiative of its kind to be delivered in Scotland, that supports teachers with information and practical resources. By doing so we are better equipping them to educate pupils on the benefits and potential dangers of the internet. A multi-agency approach which sees Scottish Government bodies working in partnership with industry, means the programme is well placed to support teachers to implement strategies in schools.” George Brasher, Managing Director of HP UK and Ireland, said: “Keeping young people safe online has never been more important. Through this initiative, HP is proud to support schools in ensuring that young people grow up in a culture where staying safe online is as natural to them as any other aspect of their digital lives.” To attain a Special Recognition Badge for Cyber Resilience and Internet Safety schools must complete a self-assessment to identify their expertise. Where gaps in the knowledge exist, Digital Schools Awards will provide the necessary guidance to achieve accreditation. The award also helps schools obtain the requirements of the Cyber Resilience Strategy for Scotland and draws on the National Action Plan and other important strategies. To find out more, schools are encouraged to visit www.digitalschoolsawards.co.uk.

An innovative scheme promoting excellence in digital learning and teaching, and aimed at equipping pupils with cutting-edge digital skills, is set to be offered to Irish secondary schools. The Digital Schools Award announced today by the Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh T.D., encourages schools to integrate digital skills across the curriculum. The initiative builds on the aims and processes of the Department of Education and Skills’ ‘Digital Learning Framework for Post-Primary Schools’ introduced this year. Participating schools self-assess their developments in digital technology under the two areas of Leadership and Management, and Teaching and Learning.  The programme encourages teachers to identify and develop classroom activities that promote skills such as digital innovation and creativity; collaborative and self-directed learning; problem solving and computational thinking. It also encourages and supports teachers’ professional development in digital technologies, digital equity and access, and cyber resilience across the whole school. HP Ireland, Microsoft Ireland and Intel are providing practical support and resources, including financial backing.  The programme, which will initially operate as a pilot in a number of schools, is welcomed by the Department of Education and Skills. Developed by HP in Ireland in partnership with Microsoft, the digital schools programme is already proving successful in Scotland and Northern Ireland, where more than a third of schools have signed up. Speaking at the launch of the Digital Schools Award at the NAPD – National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals – Conference in Galway today (Friday 19 October, 2018), Minister McHugh said: “Digital technology is revolutionising lives and careers, and Irish education is harnessing the potential of digital in teaching and learning, so that Irish students are fully engaged and well placed to take advantage of the digital revolution. “The Department’s Digital Strategy for Schools Action Plan is backed by a €210million capital investment programme and is key to our schools being part of the best education systems in Europe. “This Digital Schools Award, backed by industry, will further support schools in embedding digital technologies in all aspects of their activities, and help ensure that good practice is captured and shared among the teaching community. “I welcome the support of HP Ireland, Microsoft Ireland and Intel in driving this initiative.” Speaking at the programme launch, Ann Marie Whelan, HP Ireland, said: “We, as an industry, are committed to helping ensure that young people have the skills necessary to thrive as digital citizens – both in the workplace and wider society.  We are proud to support the aims of the Department of Education’s Digital Learning Framework and, through the awards, provide recognition to the schools and teachers committed to making digital technologies part of teaching and learning in the curriculum.” Dr. Kevin Marshall of Microsoft Ireland said the company is committed to ensuring schools around the country have the support they need to develop and successfully implement digital frameworks. “As a company we’re working at both ends of the system.  We’re engaging students through our dedicated education and innovation hub at our campus, DreamSpace, opening their minds to the opportunities technology can provide them with. “With teachers we’re supporting training and development at our newly opened education suite, and also directly with our partners, DCU and UCD.  Through this work we’re constantly inspired by the leadership approach teachers around the country are taking to future-proof their schools and ensure students and teachers have the digital know-how to excel in the classroom of the future”. The Digital Schools Award is an important recognition which helps highlight schools leading the way in digitalising their future, the Microsoft Head of Education added. “By highlighting success stories, we hope other schools will be inspired to start their own digital journey.” Post primary schools across Ireland can find out more at www.digitalschoolsawards.ie.

21 September 2016: Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, John Swinney today launched the ‘Digital Schools Awards’, a national awards programme which promotes, recognises and encourages best practice use of digital technology in primary schools. The awards programme was officially unveiled at the Scottish Learning Festival at the SECC in Glasgow, where John Swinney was joined by pupils from Beith Primary School in North Ayrshire and Middleton Park School in Aberdeen. The Digital Schools Award recognizes best practice and builds on the progress already made, by providing a pathway and resources for schools seeking to do more with digital technology.  The programme also recognises those who achieve excellence and supports the efforts of schools, teachers and learners in making the best use of digital technology in the classroom. Schools that achieve excellence will be awarded ‘Digital Schools’ status recognised by Education Scotland. HP, Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Intel are providing support for the programme, including a financial commitment of £110,000 in 2016/17 as well as the provision of practical support and resources. Speaking at the launch of the Digital Schools Awards at the Scottish Learning Festival at the SECC in Glasgow, Mr Swinney said: “The Digital Schools Award is a fantastic example of industry supporting education in Scotland.  It is the result of collaboration between Scottish Government, Education Scotland and the digital industry and as such it is closely aligned with the aims of the Digital Learning and Teaching Strategy. “I welcome the support of HP, Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Intel in driving this initiative forward I would urge all primary schools across Scotland to get involved.” Primary schools across Scotland can register for the programme at www.digitalschoolsawards.co.uk  where they can undergo a self-evaluation of current practices and standards.  The programme aims to sign up 400 primary schools in its first year. Dr. Bill Maxwell, Chief Executive of Education Scotland, said: “The Digital Schools Awards programme will help more people take advantage of the opportunities digital technology offers. I welcome the support of the programme and its partners in helping our learners develop the skills and creativity needed to be successful throughout the lives. I encourage all primary schools to sign up to this programme and the benefits digital offers.” George Brasher, Managing Director for HP UK & Ireland, said: “HP is spearheading the Digital Schools Awards programme in Scotland as we believe that the technology industry has a clear responsibility to help the next generation with their digital learning. The STEM worker shortfall is estimated to hit 40,000 annually in the UK and with an increasing number of jobs being created to meet the shifting demands of the digital economy, this gap is only going to widen. We have a responsibility to partner with teachers, government, parents, pupils and other industry leaders to enhance digital learning and close that skills gap. “HP is delighted to support the Digital Schools Awards programme which is gaining fantastic traction in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and we look forward to working with Education Scotland on the successful roll out of the programme in Scotland.” The scheme has already been successfully rolled out in the Republic of Ireland with 1730 schools signed up to become a Digital School and 336 accredited within the first three years of the programme. In Northern Ireland, where the programme launched almost a year ago, 18 schools have been awarded ‘Digital Schools’ status. “At Hewlett Packard Enterprise, we are committed to inspiring young people to develop their digital skills. This is why we are proud to support the Digital Schools Awards scheme, which allows us to work directly with schools to help improve learning and attainment”, said Marc Waters, Managing Director of Hewlett Packard Enterprise in the UK and Ireland. “We look forward to working with Education Scotland to support the roll-out of the programme.” For further information and to register on line visit, www.digitalschoolsawards.co.uk. ENDS For further media information please contact Alison Downs / Rory Weller, Frame, 0141 559 5840 or mobile 07841 720 006 or email rory.weller@framecreates.co.uk / alison.downs@framecreates.co.uk. Notes to Editors The five measurement criteria under which schools will be evaluated in order to become a Digital School are as follows Leadership and Vision: Digital Schools will have a whole-school digital technology policy that outlines a vision and strategy and conveys a positive attitude towards the use of digital technology. Digital Technology integration across the curriculum: Schools will show digital technology integration across the curriculum in learning and teaching. Staff will demonstrate a clear understanding of how digital technology can be used in the curriculum to improve student learning. School culture: Schools will demonstrate an awareness that digital technology has an impact on the quality of learning and teaching, pupils’ attitudes and behaviour and the wider school community. Continuing Professional Development: Schools will demonstrate a commitment to on-going professional development in relation to digital technology, with a mechanism in place to inform teachers of courses in relation to professional development, as well as school-wide support and encouragement. Resources and infrastructure: Schools will have in place appropriate digital technology resources, including hardware, software and infrastructure, to support particular learning environments. Schools will also have deployed appropriate digital technology resources that reflect the plan for future improvement and development of digital technology as outlined in the whole-school policy. PR_Digital Schools Awards Launches in Scotland